When Travelling - Take Passport

Many members will be aware of the need when transporting your horse, to carry the horse's passport.  We have had passed to us via Jon Phillips and David Brindley of WES the following information from Jon Phillips' company who deals with horsebox and trailer breakdowns.... NO PASSPORT - NO RESCUE I would like to draw the attention of your readers to a new problem arising during the incidence of horsebox and horse trailer breakdown. My company currently undertakes, amongst other duties, the equestrian recovery of all horses and passengers stranded by vehicle breakdown for both the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners and the NFU Mutual. We are also now starting to provide equine assistance for the new Emergency Services Protocol involving the Highways Agency and the British Equine Veterinary Association. Whilst these breakdowns may be quite traumatic for those involved, they are generally a case of straightforward incident management logistics involving mechanics, transport, vets, Highways and occasionally Police Traffic Division. However, on several recent occasions involving onward equine transportation, the stranded owners have not been carrying the relevant equine passports, resulting in either refusal on the part of the professional transporter to carry the animals or in delays until passports could be produced. Whilst we appreciate that it is not completely necessary to carry passports for every journey, it is necessary for most and DEFRA recommend that passports are carried at all times. PRP Rescue Services are currently compiling the definitive list of all correctly registered/insured transporters to be employed in all emergency and breakdown situations and welcome contact from any that are not currently registered with us (01488 657650). It is rather unfortunate that the desire of all agencies to address the problems of illegal transportation and stranded horses has flagged up this issue, but it does mean that as long as your readers help us by carrying the correct documentation, they will receive the best possible professional help. Jon Phillips Managing Director, PRP Rescue Services Ltd.

 

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